Argentina captain Lionel Messi has labelled his international team-mate Emiliano Martinez a “phenomenon”. For his three penalty shoot-out saves on Tuesday, in football live today, Messi calls Martinez a ‘phenomenon’.
After drawing 1-1 with Colombia in their Copa America semi-final, Argentina won the subsequent penalty shootout round by 3-2.
Check out the football match score and summary of Argentina’s win over Colombia on Tuesday.
Martinez’s Goalkeeping Magic
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez earned his first international cap last month following a standout club season at Aston Villa.
Luis Diaz’s 61st-minute goal cancelled out an early 7th-minute, Messi-assisted strike by Lautaro Martinez.
Thus securing a tie, Colombia had forced the penalty shootout.
But Martinez, Argentina’s goalkeeper, ensured a place in the final against Brazil on Saturday.
The 28-year-old made three saves in yesterday’s semis’ penalty shootout to send Argentina to the finals.
Thanks to his saves, the Albiceleste are through the semi-final against Colombia and they will now face other finalists Brazil.
Brazil proved themselves to be the best football team between themselves and Peru. And just as Neymar recently wished, they will meet Argentina in the Copa America final.
As for Martinez, he has now made himself a hero for the Albiceleste, and Messi confers with this praise.
Among Other Football Live Today – Messi Calls Martinez a ‘Phenomenon’
“We have Emi, who is a phenomenon,” said Messi, who converted from the spot in the shootout.
Messi then said: “We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games and now we are going to the final.”
Head coach Lionel Scaloni also added that Martinez’s influence within the Argentinian national team has extended far beyond penalties.
“We are very happy with Emiliano’s performance, not only because of the penalties, but also because of the security that he is transmitting,” Scaloni said. “The group of defenders is permanently supported and we like that.”
